Rangers fall to Concord; Cougars rout Griffons

Saturday

Jan 26, 2013 at 11:00 AM

By Ed Patinoed.patino@hillsdale.netREADING — A size disadvantage hindered the chances for the Reading High School boys basketball team Friday.Despite another solid defensive effort, the Rangers were hurt by a slow start and cold shooting from the free-throw line in a 53-40 loss to the Concord Yellow Jackets in a Big Eight Conference game.Reading (4-7, 1-5 Big Eight) struggled for most of the night to handle the bigger Yellow Jackets, who also received a boost from a pair of transfers from Albion. Both newcomers added more height to Concord's lineup.The Rangers fell into a 13-4 deficit in the first quarter. After an even second quarter, Concord took a 24-14 lead into halftime.Reading came to life offensively in the third quarter, but the Yellow Jackets matched baskets to prevent a rally.On the night, the Rangers missed 14 free throws."I'm pleased with how hard the guys are playing," Reading coach Brett Kerspilo said. "Size sometimes plays a big factor, and tonight it did. But again, our guys defended hard and kept battling."Alex Simmons had nine points and seven rebounds to lead Reading. Brandon St. Clare and Austin Coe both scored seven points, while Cody Kafer forced three steals. Devin Higley handed out three assists.The Rangers will travel to Big Eight leading Homer on Tuesday.Will Carleton 65, Marshall Academy 25Chase Harrington recorded a double-double and two other players scored in double figures as the Will Carleton Academy boys basketball team rolled past the Marshall Academy Griffons in a Mid South Conference game Friday.Will Carleton started strong and never cooled off. The Cougars raced out to a 14-point lead by the end of the first quarter, then stretched their advantage to 33-11 by halftime.The Cougars remained hot in the third quarter, eventually taking a 56-15 lead as the remainder of the game was played under a running clock.Harrington had 16 points, 14 rebounds and four assists to lead Will Carleton. Joel Wheeler added 13 points, four assists and seven steals, while Ben Baxter scored 11 points. Austin Hayne had eight points and Logan Balcom handed out four assists.The Cougars will visit Ann Arbor Rudolf Steiner for another Mid South game Feb. 1.